The ZenRUN Podcast

Episode 480 - Delirious After Party: Blisters, Banter & Big Finish Line Feels

After months of following their journeys, the full crew of Delirious podcast athletes is back for one last episode—together, unfiltered, and full of post-race stories. In this special wrap-up after-party, we reflect on the wild highs, brutal lows, and hilarious moments that defined the 2025 Delirious West 200-miler.

 

With surprise guest Sean Kaesler (yes, the race director himself!), we dive into:

•Favourite trail moments 🌅

•Gear disasters and recovery wins 🥾

•Crew MVP shout-outs and coffee emergencies ☕

•Hallucination highlights (mandatory pumpkins, cars in trees, and elves?!) 😵‍💫

•What they’ll never forget—and why so many of them are already planning to come back

 

This episode is a chaotic, heartfelt, and hilarious tribute to the ultra community and the bond that only comes from 200 miles of madness.

 

Featured Athletes:

Stuart, Gabe, Kev, Mel, Andy & Del, Darlene, Glen, James, and… Sean!

 

Connect with Us:

If you’ve followed the Delirious series, this wrap-up is a must-listen. Mel’s story will make you laugh, cry, and believe you can do hard things. Subscribe and share—this one’s from the heart.

 

Delirious WEST event Website - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

 

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 479 - Darlene Dale: PBs, Bangers & Mash, and the Power of a Comeback

In this heartfelt and uplifting wrap-up episode, Darlene Dale opens up about her 2025 Delirious West experience—an ultra that started with doubts and dizzy spells but transformed into one of her strongest performances yet.

Darlene gets honest about early race struggles with plantar fasciitis, nausea, and energy dips, and how one small anti-nausea tablet (thank you, trail angels!) turned her race around. From there, it was all about staying smart, keeping the feet happy, and finding her rhythm again—one aid station, one bowl of soup, and one sleep at a time.

She shares how running without a pacer changed her experience, how bangers and mash saved her soul, and what it felt like to cross the finish line in the quiet of night, with a PB in the bag and nothing but pride in her heart.

Key Highlights:

•Managing plantar pain and early-race nausea like a pro

•The magic of aid station food: from pumpkin soup to mango chicken fried rice

•The value of well-timed sleep stops and smart pacing

•How she kept moving through lonely and spooky night sections

•Why this PB meant more than any other—and how every challenge built into it

•Oh, and road shoes the whole way?! Yep—she made it work, sand and all

Connect with Us:

Darlene’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the best races start out the hardest. Tune in, subscribe, and share with your trail tribe—because this story is pure ultra gold.

 

Delirious WEST event Website - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

 

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 478 - Gabe Alves: Grit, Gratitude & the Unexpected Ending of Delirious West

In this wrap-up episode, we sit down with Gabe Alves to hear the full, raw, and real account of his 2025 Delirious West experience. From a pre-race family emergency and late arrival to the start line, to trail highs, epic views, and unexpected pain—Gabe’s journey is a rollercoaster of resilience and heart.

 

He shares the joy of finally getting his gear dialled in, the beauty of Conspicuous Cliffs at sunrise, and the powerful companionship found both in solitude and in shared steps with friends. But it’s also a story about how even with the best prep and a strong mindset, sometimes the body has other plans.

 

Despite being within reach of the finish, Gabe faced a tough decision at Denmark—one that took just as much strength and perspective as the hundreds of kilometres behind him. This is a story of grit, growth, and how success isn’t always measured in finish lines.

 

Key Highlights:

•Pre-race chaos: vomit waterfall, sleep deprivation & van troubles

•Trail joy: perfect gear, beach runs, and golden sunrise views

•Blister drama, gear swaps, and the mistake of sweaty waterproof shoes

•Monkey Rock camaraderie and feeling like the finish was in the bag

•The injury that shifted everything—mentally and physically

•Why Gabe’s proud of his race, even without a medal

•Reflections on what matters most: family, perspective, and the power of the trail

 

Connect with Us:

This episode is for every runner who’s ever had a race take an unexpected turn. Subscribe, share, and let us know—what has a DNF taught you?

 

Delirious WEST event Website - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

 

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 477 - Andy & Del Thompson: Dirt Naps, Broken Campers, and the Power of Sticking Together

 

In this warm and wonderfully candid wrap-up episode, Andy and Del Thompson take us inside their 2025 Delirious West adventure—a journey packed with unexpected twists, heartfelt moments, and lessons in patience, teamwork, and trust.

From managing race-day fatigue with dirt naps to handling a major campervan breakdown mid-race (seriously… it broke at Broke Inlet!), Andy and Del show what true partnership looks like on and off the trail. They share how they navigated everything from dehydration scares and blister dramas to unexpected moments of pure trail magic—all while sticking together from start to finish.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, finishing Delirious isn’t just about the running—it’s about the people you share the miles with.

Key Highlights:

•Starting strong, adjusting expectations when humidity hit

•A camper van mishap at Broke Inlet—and how the crew saved the day

•How they made shared decisions about sleep, pace, and support

•The emotional power of sticking together (even when one needs sleep and the other doesn’t!)

•Favourite memories: Shelley Beach comfort stops, Peaceful Bay reflections, and seeing footprints of friends ahead on the trail

•Food favourites: keto wraps, veggie curries, sardines, and pickled gherkins

•Lessons in adaptability, teamwork, and appreciating every single headland

Cure Brain Cancer fundraising trek on the Great Wall of China.

Support Andy and Del’s fundraising efforts here: https://curebraincancer.grassrootz.com/2025-greatwallofchina/team-thompson-andy-and-del . 

Connect with Us:

Love hearing these wrap-ups? Subscribe, share, and tag your favourite trail buddy—because some races are just better together.

 

Delirious WEST event Website - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

 

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 476 - MM 168: Mindful Cleaning

This week’s mindful moment is mindful cleaning, a beautiful way to turn everyday chores into moments of presence and gratitude. Pick a simple task, like washing dishes or sweeping the floor, and give it your full attention.

Notice the feel of the soap and water, the sound of the broom moving, or the patterns that form as you clean. By focusing on the sensations and movements, you transform routine cleaning into a calming, mindful practice that honours and cares for your space.

Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can bring calm and clarity to your day.

For more mindfulness ideas, head over to our ebook with 24 Simple Mindfulness strategies: https://fitmindfitbody.co/books/

Help us spread the mindfulness:

1️⃣ If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave a like and review. Your support helps others discover the joy of mindful running.

2️⃣ Have a story or know a runner who'd be perfect for our podcast? Reach out to us on Facebook/Instagram  or email (Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co  ).

 

Don’t miss a single episode. Sign up for our email alerts.

Episode 475 - Kevin Matthews: Delirious West, Pasta Feasts & the Magic of Mind Games

In this wrap-up episode, Kevin “Big Kev” Matthews takes us deep into the heart of his fifth Delirious West finish—sharing all the highs, lows, and hilarious moments that made 2025’s edition “The Hilly Year” one to remember.

From Mandalay-to-Mount Clare misery (times two) to epic pasta dishes and the infamous “magic hill” at Shelley Beach, Kev recounts a race that was tough on the legs but full of soul. He talks about how he managed his energy, stayed social on the trail, and learned the value of proper food over sugar-packed snacks.

This episode is packed with Kev’s signature wit, wisdom, and warmth—and a very entertaining sprint finish inspired by a cheeky WhatsApp message.

Key Highlights:

•Why Mandalay to Mount Clare “sucked both ways”

•The value of mid-race sleep, real food, and ditching the gels

•That time Kev hallucinated SUVs on a dike near Lowlands

•Jet ski in the dark, steak and onions at Peaceful Bay, and the ultimate nap at Shelley

•Kev’s take on why we all keep coming back—even when we swear we won’t

•The sprint finish sparked by a phantom Charles in the group chat

Connect with Us:

If you’re into smart race strategy, community spirit, and laughing at yourself while doing something epic—Kev’s your guy. Tune in, subscribe, and share your favourite Kevin-ism with us.

Delirious WEST event Website - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

 

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 474 - Stuart Rainbow: Redemption Run, Jet Ski Deliveries & Wonder Woman on the Trail

In this wrap-up episode, Stuart Rainbow takes us through his unforgettable Delirious West 2025 experience—a journey filled with epic scenery, wild mishaps, emotional highs, and some truly hilarious trail moments.

After a DNF the previous year, Stuart returned stronger and more determined than ever, and his storytelling doesn’t disappoint. From an early fall and a missed turn just 2.7km into the race, to a broken watch at the 175km mark and a surreal encounter with a jet-ski delivery and Wonder Woman (a.k.a. Darlene Dale) powering past, Stuart’s recap is full of grit, gratitude, and a good dose of Aussie humour.

He shares how he made peace with tech failures, why his custom gaiter setup was a total win, and what it meant to share miles with loved ones and strangers who became trail family.

Key Highlights:

•Overcoming early chaos: fall, wrong turn, and lightheadedness at 5km

•Strategic sleep stops, crew coordination, and jocks-based recovery hacks

•Gear win of the race: custom-fitted Raidlight gaiters—zero sand, zero regrets

•That time his Garmin died mid-race, and how he reframed the frustration

•Unexpected support: surprise friends from his hometown cheering him on

•The emotional moment of returning to Perry’s Beach—the scene of last year’s DNF

•Finishing with pride, presence, and some incredible sunset memories

Connect with Us:

Stuart’s story is a masterclass in perspective and trail magic. If you’ve ever faced a tough trail, a tech fail, or a race that meant more than just miles—this one’s for you. Don’t forget to subscribe and share!

Delirious WEST event Website - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

 

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 473 - James Sawyer: Four Days, 79 Hours & a Mask Dropped on the Trail

In this deeply personal and powerful wrap-up episode, James Sawyer shares how his Delirious West 2025 unfolded across four days, 79 hours, and hundreds of emotional highs and lows. From the outside, James’ run was smooth—no gear drama, no major disasters—but what made it remarkable was the mental depth, emotional vulnerability, and sheer human connection along the way.

Running shoulder-to-shoulder with his mate Ben, James talks about their pacing, their sleep deprivation strategy (or lack thereof!), and how a bacon and egg sandwich diet powered him through more than 300km. He opens up about an emotional breakdown around the 301km mark—a raw, sobbing moment that felt like shedding a lifetime of masks—and why that moment is, in many ways, his highlight.

This is a story about showing up as yourself, leaning into the adventure, and discovering what’s possible when you let go of control and let the trail guide you.

Key Highlights:

•Starting strong with no real plan—and somehow executing it perfectly

•The mental crash at 150km, and the power of a 60-minute nap and a teddy bear

•Fuel of choice: 27+ bacon and egg sandwiches and mango chicken fried rice

•Crew love, pacer magic, and the joy of running with someone who just “gets it”

•An unplanned perfect finish—James and Ben, reunited at the end

•Emotional truths: what James uncovered about himself when no one was watching

Connect with Us:

If you’ve ever run from something—or towards something—this is the episode for you. Tune in, share it with a trail buddy, and tell us: what’s the mask you dropped on the trail?

Delirious WEST event Website - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 472 - Glen Smetherham: Jokes, Jet Fuel & the Most Satisfying Delirious Yet

In this laugh-out-loud and surprisingly heartfelt episode, Glen Smetherham unpacks his seventh (!!) Delirious West 200-miler—and it just might be his most satisfying yet.

Despite going in with a painful heel niggle and a patched-up knee, Glen navigated the course with a unique combination of trail smarts, dry humour, and sheer stubbornness. Alongside his race buddy Felix, Glen ran the full 200 miles with plenty of silliness at aid stations, a couple of shared hallucinations (mandatory pumpkin, anyone?), and even a pastry and coffee delivery mid-race.

He opens up about pacing, pain management, the art of being kicked out of every aid station, and why this race, despite being his slowest, meant more than ever. Plus, some practical coaching takeaways and the joy of helping his athletes thrive on the trail.

Key Highlights:

•Starting the race with heel bursitis and a torn patella tendon

•Aid station antics, shared naps, and pastry deliveries

•Hallucinations galore: Christmas capsules, Blues Brothers, and… forgotten pumpkins

•Pain peaks, emotional lows, and how a well-placed joke got him through

•Trail wisdom from seven finishes—and why he’s still not done

•The power of coaching and community in long-haul ultras

Connect with Us:

Love the wrap-ups? Subscribe and leave a review! And if Glen’s story made you laugh, cry, or start packing for next year—drop us a comment and tag your trail crew!

Delirious WEST event Website - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 471 - MM 167: Planting Mindfulness

This week’s mindful moment is planting mindfulness, a grounding practice that connects you with nature. Whether you have a garden or just a small potted plant, take time to care for it with full awareness. Feel the soil in your hands, notice the textures of the leaves, and breathe in the earthy scent.

Engaging with plants through movement and touch is a simple yet powerful way to slow down, be present, and nurture both your surroundings and yourself.

Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can bring calm and clarity to your day.

For more mindfulness ideas, head over to our ebook with 24 Simple Mindfulness strategies: https://fitmindfitbody.co/books/

Help us spread the mindfulness:
1️⃣ If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave a like and review. Your support helps others discover the joy of mindful running.
2️⃣ Have a story or know a runner who'd be perfect for our podcast? Reach out to us on Facebook/Instagram  or email (Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co  ).

 

Don’t miss a single episode. Sign up for our email alerts.